I used to say that it’s better to be busy than bored, but I’ve changed my mind. I’ve decided that boredom is a luxury haha It means that you don’t really have to be anywhere and you don’t really have to be doing anything. What freedom!

We live in a time where there are so many distractions that sitting still seems unproductive. There are always shows to watch, news articles to read, or activities to get lost in. I was speaking with two lovely ladies from London during lunch today and one commented that we have forgotten the simple joy of relaxing and listening to music. Too right. Though we met in Cabo Verde, both of our home countries are undergoing massive political changes. Perhaps more than ever, relaxation is a necessity for our countrymen/women!

At the root of it all, our minds love to be busy. Busyness gives the mind purpose, so there can be great inner resistance to anything that threatens its purpose. Even during calm times, the mind can start to fabricate scenarios and conversations that never happened (and probably never will happen!) just to stay active. Trying to make yourself think of nothing or something else can actually create a bounce back reaction and make you think those same thoughts with even more intensity!

So what can be done? Simply raise the level of your consciousness and watch your thoughts. Don’t judge, just watch and try to trace back and understand who is creating these thoughts.

Calm is stillness. Stillness is peace. Instead of fighting the quiet times, embrace them with gratitude, for these moments are gifts.